Evans officer cleared in shooting during warrant arrest

The Weld District Attorney on Friday cleared an Evans police officer who shot at a suspect Sept. 10 in an Evans hotel room.

According to a news release from the district attorney's office, the Critical Incident Response Team investigated the night of the shooting, when Evans police officers arrived at the Rodeway Inn, 3015 8th Ave. in Evans to serve a 2013 Kansas warrant issued for David Blacno, 28.

When officers entered Blanco's room, the release said, he pointed a gun in their direction.

According to an affidavit for Blanco's arrest, an Evans police officer fired at Blanco as he ran for the cover of the bathroom. The officer fired five rounds but did not hit the man.

Police later learned the gun Blanco had was a BB gun, the affidavit said.

Weld District Attorney Michael Rourke and Assistant District Attorney Robb Miller conducted an investigation and found the officer was justified in firing his weapon, the release said.

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The details of that investigation will not be made public now due to the ongoing criminal prosecution of Blanco, according to the release.

David Blanco has been charged with three counts of felony menacing and four counts of child abuse without injury. He is scheduled to appear in court 3:30 p.m. Oct. 28 for a preliminary hearing.